The Catholic Calendar for Monday, April 18, 2005
Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4
John 10:11-18

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Sadly many, never hear the readings that are read at daily Mass during these days of Eastertide. Taken from the Acts of the Apostles, they are some of the most descriptive and beautiful accounts of our early Church. In them we see the how the Holy Spirit empowered and transformed Jesus' followers, giving to those formerly weak and often puzzled men, clear and decisive direction.

It's wonderful to see what the grace of God accomplished in them and how the things they learned from their experiences with Jesus were put into practice. Wise teachers have said that Jesus chose the most unseeming men to be His apostles so that there would be no doubt, but that it was the Spirit of God and not their own ingenuity and power at work in them. It is a wonderful thought and certainly a source of encouragement when we feel like we have nothing important to give.

With God's grace may we too be transformed into more-brave witnesses to the truth, become more faithful in prayer, be filled with compassion and love -- modern-day disciples and heralds of the Good News.

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life